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Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) poses serious risks to our health and our environment during its production, use, and disposal. Despite this threat to health, PVC can be found throughout healthcare in IV bags, tubing, examination gloves, and other healthcare products - even in flooring, food packaging, and office supplies. For many patients, especially those who are vulnerable, plasticised PVC in healthcare is a significant source of exposure to harmful plasticisers. It is therefore crucial to phase out PVC to protect patient health.
HCWH Europe's report Towards PVC-free healthcare: Reducing environmental impact and exposure to harmful chemicals, provides a comprehensive overview of these risks and highlights the steps that healthcare providers are already taking towards a PVC-free future.